Sheikh Mohammed receives winners of Knowledge Award in Dubai
Professor Zhang who sequenced genome of COVID-19 among those honoured
Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, today received the winners of the seventh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award at his weekly Majlis held at the Zabeel Palace in Dubai. The Award recognises exceptional regional and global contributions in the field of knowledge dissemination and production.
His Highness expressed his appreciation for the role intellectuals, scholars and scientists play in enhancing human progress. He said the UAE places the highest priority on creating a knowledge-based society and economy in which ideas and innovation drive growth.
“Since its establishment, the UAE has focused on promoting sustainable development driven by knowledge and innovation. The work of scholars, intellectuals and scientists is vital to human development and the world’s ability to combat challenges. Knowledge empowers societies to create a bright future,” His Highness said.
His Highness’s weekly Majlis at Zabeel Palace in Dubai was attended by His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE; His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, and Sheikhs, ministers, and heads of government entities.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed congratulated the winners of the Award and expressed his appreciation for their efforts to serve humanity. The UAE is committed to developing a new generation of scientists who can help develop its future-oriented sectors, he added.
The winners of the Award expressed their appreciation to His Highness for supporting and encouraging scientists and the development of knowledge. The meeting was also attended by Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director General of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, a representative of the Emirates Mars Mission’s ‘Hope Probe,’ the Arab world's first interplanetary mission; Chinese professor Dr. Zhang Yongzhen, who led efforts to sequence and publish the genome of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19; and Franziska Castell, representative of the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings, annual scientific conferences that bring together Nobel laureates and outstanding young researchers.
Launched in 2014, the award recognises the world’s knowledge pioneers and highlights their most notable accomplishments and contributions in a variety of academic disciplines. The prize is worth $1 million and covers a wide range of topics, including knowledge, innovation, leadership, and creativity, as well as the advancement of academic institutions and scientific research, besides communication technology.